Curator: Mari Laanemets.

The exhibition “Abstraction as an open experiment” focuses on the implementation and interpretation of abstractionism and abstract systems in contemporary art and art of the recent past. The exhibition explores the artistic practise which focuses on formal experiments and is based on radically simplified forms and a systematic approach. However, this means relating to and analysing social space, individuals, and the surrounding environment.

This is the first institutional exhibition to re-exhibit the early geometric creation of Sirje Runge and study it in an international context. Runge’s drawings, paintings, and slideshows are presented with works by Zofia Kulik (born in 1947), Dóra Maurer (born in 1936), and Falke Pisano (born in 1978). By complementing each other, these works from different regions and eras give the audience the opportunity to think about the semantic field of geometric-constructive abstraction and formal experiments. How could art generate change, inspire people, create communities, and support people’s self-definition? The works of the artists participating in the exhibition catch the eye with their openness, creativeness, and playfulness – in a way which is not obtrusive, but rather encourages the audience to think with the artists.

Thinking about the changing process of understanding and giving meaning to art history, ‘Abstraction as an open experiment’ seems to be particularly relevant in a situation where the liberating potential of creativeness has been hijacked by neoliberal cultural industries and corporate design that has domesticated the abstract form.

Tallinn Art Hall opening times

MondayClosed

TuesdayClosed

Wednesday12:00—19:00

Thursday12:00—19:00

Friday12:00—19:00

Saturday12:00—19:00

Sunday12:00—19:00

Public tour

Wednesdays17:30-18:30

Saturdays (except for October 20th)14:00-15:00

Educational programme

OPEN FORM

Ages 5 to 12
Focus: abstract art games, geometric form
Concepts: abstraction, experiment, form, structure
Universal competencies: cognitive and learning skills, game skills; culture and value competency; communication competency
Why do artists return time and again to simple geometric shapes – circles, squares and triangles? What is the appeal of abstract art? What do artists engage with and how? Together we will explore works that depict the relationship … Read more

HAPPENING AND SPACE

Age: 14+ and secondary school; adaptable for 10-13-year-olds
Focus: happening, a person’s relationship with him/herself, others and space, creating together
Vocabulary: happening, process, abstract art
Universal competencies: culture and value competency, self-definition competency, communication competency
The programme, which is meant for secondary school students and adaptable for those between the ages of 10 and 13, is focused on action art. We examine how … Read more

ON SALLY’S TAIL (20 October 2018)

For 4- to 8-year-olds, pre-registration not required
All the youngest visitors to the exhibition (ca 4- to 8-year-olds) can climb on the tail of Sally, a large, hairy and friendly dog, and take a playful tour, which will introduce the exhibition to both the parents and the children. The programme, like a good family movie, provides both viewing pleasure and the joy of discovery to both old and young art lovers. And this time, everyone can play more than usual on Sally’s tail!